NAIDOC Week 2021: Heal Country!

Each year, NAIDOC Week celebrates the history, culture, and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in Australia. This year, NAIDOC Week is coming up from 4-11 July and the theme is Heal Country! The theme encourages everyone to take action to protect our lands, waters, sacred sites, and Aboriginal culture and heritage from exploitation, desecration, and destruction. It calls for stronger, impactful actions and measures to recognise, protect, and maintain all elements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture and heritage. 

Read on for some ideas around how you can connect with Aboriginal culture during your visit at Ayers Rock Resort – or from afar. 

NAIDOC stands for the National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee. With its history reaching back to the 1920s, NAIDOC has worked for decades to support and champion Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people across Australia. 

Each year, NAIDOC selects a relevant theme and works to create awareness of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities through a weeklong celebration that typically includes special events, an awards ceremony, and educational activities. NAIDOC Week is generally held during the first week of July (Sunday to Sunday) that incorporates the second Friday of the month – the day which was historically recognized as National Aboriginal Day. 

Unfortunately, travel restrictions have cancelled or delayed many of the in-person events associated with NAIDOC Week this year. However, it’s still a great opportunity to reflect and support Aboriginal Australians in other ways. 

Check out the NAIDOC website for more information about this year’s theme, access teaching resources, download a copy of this year’s winning poster artwork, and more! 

As a guest of the Resort, there are plenty of activities and experiences available that will introduce you to the Anangu people of Central Australia – and many of them are free of charge. 

Bush Food Experience: Daily 45-minute tours introduce participants to Indigenous bush food, including a cooking demonstration and a chance to sample the ingredients.

Bush Yarns: Listen to the stories of Aboriginal culture and learn about men’s weapons and women’s tools and techniques for gathering bush tucker during this 30-minute experience. 

Didgeridoo Workshop: Listen to the sounds of the didgeridoo, an Aboriginal musical instrument from Arnhem land in the Northern Territory – you may even get a chance to play!

Dot Painting Workshop: Create a beautiful, one-of-a-kind souvenir and learn about the dot painting techniques during this fun and hands-on introduction to Indigenous art. 

See all Indigenous experiences at the Resort. 

The Anangu Communities Foundation was formed in 2003 with a goal of supporting local communities in the areas of health and education as well as economic and social participation. The support of our generous guests and friends has made a number of projects possible, including the construction of an elderly respite care centre, programs for women and children, healthcare facilities and services, and much more. Learn more about the Foundation or make a donation here. 

In addition to our affiliation with the Anangu Communities Foundation, the National Indigenous Training Academy strives to “change the lives of Indigenous Australian’s by providing market leading training and employment programs and empowering a growing Indigenous workforce” at both Ayers Rock Resort and Mossman Gorge. Currently, the resort’s workforce is more than 40% Indigenous.